People Who Count: Population and Politics, Women and Children

This book challenges the contentious political issues on all sides of the population debate, arguing that lower fertility rates are preferred by women, beneficial to both women and children, and should not be used as a bargaining chip. It presents evidence that the poor do not necessarily have large families as a form of financial security, people without offspring are less lonely in old age, immigration and refugee controls are driven by politics, and social security does not require a large cohort of young workers. It is a challenging contribution to the development debate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1995, this comprehensive book delves into the intricate political complexities surrounding population-related issues, encompassing a wide range of topics such as immigration, demographic competition, gender ratios, reproductive research, and children's rights. The book makes a compelling argument that women themselves prefer lower fertility rates, recognizing them as beneficial not only to themselves but also to their children. It further asserts that lowering fertility rates should not be manipulated as a bargaining chip in any other aspect of the development debate. Drawing upon extensive research from anthropology, child psychology, and population studies, the book presents compelling evidence that suggests the poor do not necessarily have large families as a means of financial security or to exploit them as labor. Moreover, individuals without offspring tend to experience less loneliness in old age, and immigration and refugee controls in the Northern Hemisphere are often driven more by political considerations than rational calculations or respect for human rights. The book also challenges the notion that social security requires a large cohort of young workers, highlighting the need for policies that recognize and address the environmental and social pressures associated with a globally increasing population. This thought-provoking work makes a significant contribution to the ongoing development debate, offering a persuasive vision for policies that promote sustainability, equity, and well-being for all.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032559605